That may have been a mistake as a tenant turned the heat off at the breaker panel for Thanksgiving and I had a frozen pipe in the wall. 

I sent a/c co out...thorough check of system--$150 charge to me--unit frozen as apparently tenant keeping unit on and set at 68.    

Some make arrangements for payments to be deposited to an account, the issue here can be that upon death, deposit accounts are frozen at which time you'll need to find his administrator or executor to make a payment.Just because someone is elderly doesn't mean they are nuts, chances are they are more aware of the deal than you are, being an older investor.

Not sure how they  might handle the utilities, but make sure the lease to parents includes verbiage about damage due to lack of heat (frozen pipes) or electrical power (flooding due to sump pump not operating).My $0.02...

It's fall all the tree guys are still out and some work in the winter. better time to fall some trees because won't damage the ground if its frozen for removal as much, if heavy equipment is needed.Get a couple of bids go on craigslist just make sure they have insurance.Let the neighbor know about the work, if it's close to their roof line and over property line. and ask if they have a tree guy.I'd do the work less trouble in the future and make sure that they give that tree a good trim, 

Back in the last financial crisis, people had their HELOCs terminated and had the unused portions frozen.

If he does it again, he may be held responsible for frozen pipes.

Along with that, even through the '08 meltdown, none of these loans were called or frozen here in the states.

Heloc's keep in mind can get called in a down market or frozen so make sure you read the fine print.I would not be in a hurry to do anything unless you have a target in mind.. 

It can happen at any time (literally, we've been waken up at 1AM due to frozen /  pipes that have burst)I only mention that so you know, which you probably do-- overall, if you love the outdoors and people, and don't mind regulating and being there all the time, you should really enjoy it (assuming it makes you enough money to live) and meet some great characters!